Sanjay Manjrekar the excricketer casually shrugged off any concerns about Pakistans leftarm speedster Shaheen Afridi presenting a serious threat to the Indian batters in preparation for the forthcoming 2024 T20 World Cup encounter. The highly anticipated IndiaPakistan faceoff is all set to unfold in New York on June 9.
Despite his acclaim as a topnotch whiteball bowler on the global stage Afridi has recently encountered challenges when facing India. Notably in his last two ODI encounters against the Indian team the 24yearold conceded more than 7 runs per over. Furthermore Afridi demonstrated his talent by securing three pivotal wickets in the T20I matches against India during the 2021 and 2022 World Cups.
Sanjay Manjrekar also believed that Pakistan’s other left-arm pacer, Mohammed Amir, would not pose much of a threat to Indian hitters. He stated in Star Sports’ Press Room World Cup edition:
“Mohammed Amir played his last international T20 seven years back. We have no idea what his form is like today. Shaheen Afridi is not the same bowler that he was two years back. India have handled him really well, if you remember the Asia Cup, even in the 50-overs World Cup, we had a one-sided match.”
Sanjay Manjrekar
Manjrekar added:
“I do not see Pakistan as a major threat to India, plus the names of Mohammed Amir and Shaheen Shah Afridi, I do not think is a problem for India.”
Sanjay Manjrekar
Amir celebrated a triumphant comeback to the national squad following an absence of nearly four years in the captivating home series against New Zealand. Despite his last appearance in T20Is against India in 2016 the seasoned 32yearold boasts an outstanding record having taken four pivotal wickets at an impressive average of 7.25 across two thrilling encounters.
“For India, World Cups are not anymore about getting into the final round” – Sanjay Manjrekar
Sanjay Manjrekar firmly asserts that the yardstick for Team Indias excellence in ICC competitions hinges significantly on their displays in the semifinal and final encounters rather than the advancement preceding these crucial games.
Despite dominating whiteball cricket for an extended period the Men in Blue have remained ICC event titleless since the year 2013.
“I see India up and running very quickly. But I am just going to watch this Indian team in the matches that matter – semis and the finals. For India, World Cups are not anymore about getting into the final round. It’s about what you do in the final rounds.”
Sanjay Manjrekar
India achieved success by winning the firstever T20 World Cup in South Africa back in 2007. However their journey post that victory has been challenging with just one final appearance in the seven subsequent editions. The team under the leadership of Rohit Sharma is gearing up to launch their 2024 campaign against Ireland in New York on June 5.
